Oktoberfest Wrap-Up

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It happened again: you couldn’t make it to the biggest party in Munich. Here are the beers that we’ve been filling our mugs with to drink in solidarity with our beer-loving German brothers.

It happened again: you couldn’t make it to the biggest party in Munich. It’s fine; there are a lot of towns in America that hold their own beer celebrations during the early weeks of fall, so don’t feel too left out when you see photo galleries of gorgeous beer maids, salty pretzels the size of your head and golden streams of German beer being poured generously into the steins of smiling friends.

Over at Oktoberfest, the beers served must meet the criteria of the German Beer Purity Law, Reinheitsgebot, which dates back to 1516, and must be brewed within Munich city limits. There are only six breweries at this time that brew the beer for Oktoberfest, but it’s no secret that there are many breweries in America that sell their own limited edition beers back home just for the occasion. Here are the beers that we’ve been filling our mugs with to drink in solidarity with our beer-loving German brothers.

Löwenbräu

Photo Courtesy of: Lowenbrau

Starting with a beer that is served at Oktoberfest, Löwenbräu is most likely the first that comes to mind when you think of German brews. Founded in 1383, this beer has been served at every Oktoberfest since 1810. It’s available year-round, although in some places in America it’s hard to track down. The tasting notes of this pale golden ale are very light and grainy, although many find it more carbonated than other malts made in America.

Gordon Biersch Weizen Eisbock

Photo Courtesy of: learningdslrvideo.com

Legend has it that Eisbock beer was developed by accident. A forgetful brewer from the Kulmbach Brewery in Germany accidently left kegs of bock beer outside during the winter, and to salvage the beer he scraped off the water that froze on top. The brewer found that it became stronger and maltier than the already stout brew. At 10% ABV it’s obvious that the alcohol strength is noticeable, but if you’re a fan of rich dark flavors, Gordon Biersch Weizen Eisbock beer is definitely for you.

Samuel Adams Octoberfest Beer

Photo Courtesy of: Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams is so confident in their flavoring, they don’t need a creative name for their oldest seasonal beer. Octoberfest Beer has been a staple of those who aren’t acquainted with craft brews during the fall months, and lucky for us they’ve done a great job capturing the true Munich taste. Blending five roasts of malt complemented by the bitter Bavarian Noble Hops, the master brewer feels that its stronger flavor is authentic to the Oktoberfest beers of old, as opposed to the lighter, blonder liters they serve up now.

Flying Dog Ale’s Dogtoberfest

Photo Courtesy of: Flickr

Our friends over at Flying Dog brew up a mean batch of beer around this time as well. Narcissistically named Dogtoberfest, the beer is brewed with 100% imported German ingredients. This full-bodied caramel lager won three awards at the Great American Beer Festival for the best German-Style Marzen, making it perfect for eating as much cheese, schnitzel and ox as your belly can handle.